NextGen PAPI to be deployed

New Bedford Panoramex Corp. was recently awarded a contract by the FAA to replace legacy Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems powered by antiquated incandescent lamps with up to 400 systems that are powered by Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps. Once implemented, this program could cut energy costs for PAPI systems at U.S. airports by 75%, company officials said.

“The newly designed Next Generation PAPI will seamlessly allow airports to run greener, leaner and more efficiently while dramatically reducing environmental costs and the impact associated with older incandescent lamps,” said NBP President Steven Ozuna. “These new systems are real game changers that will provide dramatic energy savings to airports and taxpayers — at a time when they are needed the most.”

Under normal daytime use, the existing FAA incandescent PAPI requires approximately 3500 watts of power, while the Next Gen PAPI draws about 850 watts, or 75% less energy. The Next Gen PAPIs are much more reliable than the current PAPI systems and require less maintenance, company officials said, noting the LED lamps last over 50,000 hours while the incandescent lamps last approximately 1,000 hours.

“We anticipate that the first wave of Next Gen PAPIs will be deployed at airports in Spring of 2012, and we expect that they will be placed on the GSA schedule in 2012 so that airports may acquire them on their own,” added Ozuna. “We also plan to introduce the Next Generation Medium Intensity Approach Lighting System (MALSR) in the near future to provide a wider range of green, energy saving options for airports.”